Should I bother with cold cap ??

Hi MrsB23,

I had EC. I didn't use the cold cap as my hair was quite fine. I lost my hair after my 2nd cycle. It came out in clumps, my daughter shaved it of at this point. I thought I would be devastated but I wasn't. I have adjusted to my wig and if you didn't know me before you wouldn't know it was a wig.

You also need to be there an hour or so before and after treatment to use the cold cap. Some people who were going through treatment at same time as me who used the cold cap just experienced thining of their hair.

I think everyone different  you can discuss the benefits with nursing staff who will guide you.

Good luck with your recovery xx

Hi MrsB23,

I had 8 cycles of chemotherapy 12 months ago. I opted for having a cold cap and I had it for my Cycle 1 and Cycle 2 after which I lost about 50% of my hair over just a couple of days and I decided to opt out of it. I didn't shave my hair, just cut it very short (8mm). Plus I didn't tolerate the cold cap well, the sensation was terrible. Please mind that this is a very subjective thing and some people tolerate it well. However, as far as I know, not many people report positive results, but you can always try and see if it works for you. Losing your hair is a traumatic experience, but it's just for a couple of months. My hair grew back very quickly after I finished my treatment which is usually the case. Best of luck with your treatment! 

Lana xx

Hi MrsB23, 

I have cold capped throughout all my chemo infusions (I started in June). I had pac/carbo and now on EC. 

The nurses will be able to help you decide when you go. I had quite thick hair to begin with so it is just holding on (I do have bald patches). 
It still shredded quite a bit on cycle 2. It was disheartening but I’ve got used to it now. 

It does add quite a bit of time onto treatment time. 30 mins before, while you have treatment then either an hour or an hour and half after. 

It is a funny sensation but after 10-15 mins, I personally think it feels like water is going round on your head. 
Everyone is different and it is a personal choice. 

Good luck with your journey xx

Hi MrsB23,

I am on the same chemo drugs as you as well as Trastuzumab. I have used the cold cap, about to have round 5 and have kept most of my hair, it has become a little thinner but you would not notice, it shreds a lot after washing. I have long hair, admittedly I did have a lot of hair but not thick as such! I was also greeted with the same tone when I said I was going to give the cold cap a try so really wasn't holding out for any great success but it has definitely worked for me.

Good luck!

Ax

Hi Belle123,

Oh this is so reassuring!!! I can handle a bit of thinning. I’d almost resigned myself to shaving my head & not bothering with the cap but now I feel more positive, thank you!

How have you found the cold cap? Any tips? 
I hope the chemo hasn’t been too brutal for you, I’m so nervous about it. 

Jx

Thank you for your reply lovely. I think I will give it a go. I have bought a couple of wigs just incase. I didn’t realise it added so much time  x

Hi MrsB23

i do think it’s a decision you have to make for yourself and there is no harm in trying it, you don’t have to carry on if you feel it’s not for you but at least you gave it a go. 
I decided against it from the start as I knew that I couldn’t cope with the cold.  My hair started to shead  about two weeks in on Pacitaxile so asked my daughter to cut it off. My hair was always my best feature and thought that I would be devastated.  I chose my wig straight away so that it could be matched better with my own style  - having said that I mostly wore woolly hats as it was winter and did not find it as daunting as I thought it would be.

my chemotherapy finished inMarch and I now have a curly pixie cut that has been trimmed about 3 times by my lovely hairdresser - not my normal blonde Bob but hey ho. Have an appointment with my oncologist in few weeks and will ask when is it ok to use a hair dye.

Wishing you well with your decision and with your recovery. Xxx

Hi skylark, 

Thank you for your reply, I do have moments of thinking sod it I will shave it but I’m not sure if I can unless I absolutely have to. 
was your hair curly before chemo? I’ve heard lots of stories of hair coming back really curly after but was straight before treatment. 

Jx

I suggest using it the first time and seeing how it goes. Assuming your chemo is every 3 weeks, you will know by the 2nd infusion whether it’s worth carrying on or not - shedding starts around 16-17 days after treatment. I do think it’s worth going fairly short before you start, so hair loss doesn’t result in clogged showers, mess everywhere etc. Paxman have a guide showing success rates by chemo drug and hair type. Unfortunately with very fine hair and starting with EC, mine was nearly all out by cycle 2 despite trying cold cap. It started to grow a bit on Paclitaxel, but when I had Paclitaxel again a year later, it more or less all came out again. It grew back well both times. 

There is no harm in trying. If it isn’t for you then that’s okay. 

I didn’t have any wigs sorted until a couple of weeks ago and I only have one. 

The extra time didn’t/doesn't bother me - I didn’t/don’t have anything to rush home for and I just thought - what else am I going to do. 

I was advised not to wash my hair often or ‘mess’ with it so it gets washed every 3 weeks currently after treatment (they use conditioner on your hair to get the cap on). 

Good luck and I am sure you’ll make the right decision for you xx